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15 January 2026
U.S. Files Forfeiture Action Against Two Anti-Submarine Warfare Crew Trainers En Route to the Chinese MilitaryRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has filed a forfeiture complaint against two mission crew trainers that were interdicted in transit from the Test Flying Academy of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China’s People’s Liberation Army, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The mission crew trainers (MCTs) are mobile classrooms intended to assist the Chinese military to train personnel on the use of airborne warning and control system and antisubmarine warfare aircraft.
“This seizure demonstrates the ongoing threat that China and its enablers pose to the national security of the United States through the unlawful procurement of U.S. military technology,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners continue to be steadfast in our commitment to use every lawful tool available to keep this critical technology out of the hands of our adversaries.”
“TFASA masquerades as a civilian flight-training academy when in fact it is a significant enabler of the Chinese air and naval forces and a pipeline for transferring NATO aviation expertise, operational knowledge, and restricted technology directly to the People’s Liberation Army,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division will continue to act decisively to preserve the U.S. military’s qualitative edge by preventing U.S. technology from falling into the hands of our adversaries.”
“This successful interdiction highlights the critical role HSI plays in safeguarding U.S. national security and preventing sensitive technology from reaching adversarial military forces,” said Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations New York. “By disrupting the transfer of advanced anti-submarine warfare training equipment to the Chinese military, HSI New York and our partners denied adversaries access to vital U.S. tactics and capabilities and, in turn, protected vital American interests. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement counterparts for their steadfast commitment to countering illicit procurement networks and defending the integrity of U.S. defense technology worldwide.”
“The Test Flying Academy of South Africa illegally exported U.S. military flight simulator technology and recruited former NATO pilots for the purpose of training China’s military, jeopardizing U.S. national security and placing the lives of American service members at risk,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “The U.S. government will pursue every avenue available to defend the homeland, protect our warfighters, and hold accountable anyone who aids our adversaries.”
“TFASA’s continued attempts to leverage our nation's military expertise and software gravely threaten United States' national security interests and the lives of American service members around the globe," said FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Vanessa Tibbits. “May today’s disruption reflect the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protect our country from foreign adversaries.”
According to court documents, the MCTs and associated software were designed and manufactured, using U.S.-origin software and defense technical data, by the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA). The purpose of the MCT project – dubbed “Project Elgar” by TFASA personnel – was to train Chinese aviators in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on anti-submarine warfare techniques, expanding their capability to locate and track U.S. submarines working in the Pacific.
The MCTs’ layout was modelled after the P-8 Poseidon, which is manufactured by Boeing and serves as the United States’ primary anti-submarine warfare maritime patrol aircraft. The MCTs were designed to run software specially designed by TFASA for Project Elgar. The software used a basic flight simulator program designed and marketed by a U.S. company, which TFASA software engineers then enhanced using technical data relating to Western anti-submarine warfare aircraft, including the P-8 Poseidon. Former NATO aviators with training in anti-submarine warfare techniques were part of TFASA’s Project Elgar team.
This interdiction is the latest instance implicating TFASA in its role as a primary trainer of the PLA. In June 2023, the Department of Commerce added TFASA and numerous of its subsidiaries and affiliates in South Africa and elsewhere to the Entity List “for providing training to Chinese military pilots using Western and NATO sources,” which the Department of Commerce noted was “contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.”
This interdiction of the MCTs is a product of the U.S. government’s coordinated effort to stop the PLA and its enablers from further threatening U.S. national security. The forfeiture action comes as China, Russia, and Iran began a week of joint naval exercises in South Africa’s waters on Saturday, January 10.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and HSI New York Field Offices and the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office.
The case is being litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven B. Wasserman and Rick Blaylock, Jr. for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Sean Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
Inside of one of the containers seized by the U.S. Government.
Documented construction progress on the MCT showed the building and installation in
the shipping containers of consoles closely mimicking those found in the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.
The burden to prove forfeitability in a forfeiture proceeding is upon the government.
tfasa_complaint_126-cv-00120_filed.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $33M in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine collected over $33 million in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year 2025, U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson announced today.
The office collected $2,762,120.92 in criminal and civil actions during the past fiscal year. Of this amount, $1,422,280.10 was collected in criminal actions and $1,339,840.82 in civil actions. The office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $29,563,154.06 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $29 million was collected as part of a January 2025 agreement by SVCMC Inc., formerly known as Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers of New York, to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly retaining erroneously inflated payments received from the Department of Defense for healthcare services provided to retired military members and their families.
“One of our most important jobs as attorneys for the Department of Justice is to recover funds on behalf of crime victims and the taxpayers of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Benson. “Both our Civil and Criminal divisions work every day to ensure that victims and taxpayers receive money that is due to them, and that wrongdoers are not unjustly enriched.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, working with partner agencies and divisions, also collected $871,012.00in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma announced today that the Western District of Wisconsin collected $4,172,836 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $3,269,903 was collected in criminal actions and $902,933 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the Western District of Wisconsin worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $58,199 in criminal actions pursued jointly by these offices.
Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma thanked the dedicated attorneys and support professionals who work on collection and forfeiture matters in the Western District of Wisconsin, “Their diligent efforts have been instrumental in upholding the law, holding wrongdoers accountable, and recovering funds for victims of crime.”
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Wisconsin, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $414,632 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Swears in New Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones administered the oath of office this week to several new Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) during a swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Chris Dykstra, Violette Bishai, Daniel Reuter, and Benjamin Sardinas were sworn in as Assistant United States Attorneys assigned to the Criminal Division.
Tatiana Pino was sworn in as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Appellate Division.
Vanessa Terrades and Jeffrey Pierce were sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to the Criminal Division. Both join the Office from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (ICE OPLA) and will serve in the Border and Immigration Crimes Enforcement (BICE) Section.
Liviu Lungu and Brittany Brock were sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to the Civil Division. They also join the Office from ICE OPLA and will serve in the Civil Immigration Unit.
Jackson Dering was sworn in as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division and will serve in the BICE Section.
“These attorneys represent the very best of public service: exceptional talent, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “They are joining this Office at a critical moment, and they will play an essential role in protecting our communities and enforcing the laws of the United States.”
The newly sworn AUSAs and SAUSAs will handle a broad range of matters, including federal criminal prosecutions, appellate litigation, and civil enforcement, with particular emphasis on security matters critical to the Southern District of Florida.
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Two Plead Guilty to Drive-By Shooting that Killed BystanderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Iesha Marks, 31, of Bowie, Maryland and Daniel Bangura, 22, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty this week to the July 2023 shooting of 46-year-old Donald Childs, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Marks pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed on January 13, 2026, and is facing a sentence between 13 and 25 years in prison, followed by a term of supervised release. Bangura also pleaded guilty on that day to obstruction of justice and is facing a sentence between 48 months and 96 months in prison, followed by a term of supervised release. Both guilty pleas are contingent upon the Court’s approval at sentencing. The Honorable Danya A. Dayson will sentence Marks on June 12, 2026, and Bangura on March 13, 2026.
According to the government’s evidence, at 2:43 p.m. on July 30, 2023, Bangura drove Marks to the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. As they rode through a busy intersection, Marks extended her arm out of the front passenger window and fired multiple shots directly into Farragut Street, striking and killing Mr. Childs, who was standing on the sidewalk. Bangura sped away from the scene and drove Marks to Pennsylvania in order to dispose of the murder weapon.
Marks was arrested in October of 2023 and has been in custody since. Bangura has been in custody since he was indicted in May of 2025.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by officers, detectives, and other personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmin Emrani.
2023 CF1 007750
2025 CF1 005760
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to $68M Adult Day Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two defendants pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Medicaid by paying health care kickbacks for services that were not provided at two Brooklyn social adult day cares and a home health care company.
“The defendants were large-scale recruiters who bribed patients with laundered cash and billed Medicaid over $68 million for services that were not provided,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty pleas demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to rooting out fraud in government health care programs by aggressively prosecuting those who steal from taxpayer-funded programs.”
“As demonstrated by today’s guilty pleas, our Office will hold accountable corrupt individuals who steer patients to health care providers in exchange for illicit kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. of the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that steal from taxpayer funds from federal health care programs.”
“These defendants orchestrated an egregious scheme involving illegal kickbacks to steer Medicaid claims and to receive payment for services not rendered,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Extensive fraudulent operations like this jeopardize the availability of federal health care program funds intended to support millions of beneficiaries. HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prioritize greed over patient care.”
“These defendants placed profit over people and public well-being and stole $68 million in welfare funds meant for those who need it most,” said Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Their guilty pleas today reflect that they knew exactly what crimes they were committing — they were cheating the system and, in turn, hurting vulnerable Americans. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement partners for their unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.”
According to court documents, Manal Wasef, 46, and Elaine Antao, 46, both of Brooklyn, were marketers and recruiters for two social adult day cares: Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc., as well as Responsible Care Staffing Inc., a home health care fiscal intermediary. Between approximately October 2017 and July 2024, in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes, Wasef and Antao referred Medicaid recipients to the social adult day cares and the home health company. The defendants also paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care services and home health care services that were billed to Medicaid but were not provided or that were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Wasef and Antao used multiple business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. In connection with their guilty pleas, Wasef and Antao agreed to collectively forfeit approximately $1 million. Wasef and Antao are the sixth and seventh individuals, respectively, to plead guilty in this case.
Wasef and Antao pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Antao is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20 and Wasef is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
HHS-OIG, HSI, and the NYPD are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Leonid Sandlar of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Castiglione for the Eastern District of New York is handling forfeiture matters.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Two Individuals Plead Guilty to $68 Million Fraud Scheme at Brooklyn-Based Adult Day Cares and Home Health Care CompanyRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Elaine Antao and Manal Wasef pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud Medicaid by paying health care kickbacks for services that were not provided at two Brooklyn social adult day cares and a home health care company. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Natasha C. Merle. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Ricky J Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI-New York); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty pleas.
“As demonstrated by today’s guilty pleas, our Office will hold accountable corrupt individuals who steer patients to health care providers in exchange for illicit kickbacks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “We will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that steal from taxpayer funds from federal health care programs.”
“The defendants were large-scale recruiters who bribed patients with laundered cash and billed Medicaid over $68 million for services that were not provided,” stated Assistant Attorney General Duva. “Today’s guilty pleas demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to rooting out fraud in government health care programs by aggressively prosecuting those who steal from taxpayer-funded programs.”
“These defendants orchestrated an egregious scheme involving illegal kickbacks to steer Medicaid claims and to receive payment for services not rendered. Extensive fraudulent operations like this jeopardize the availability of federal health care program funds intended to support millions of beneficiaries,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prioritize greed over patient care.”
“These defendants placed profit over people and public well-being and stole $68 million in welfare funds meant for those who need it most,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Their guilty pleas today reflect that they knew exactly what crimes they were committing — they were cheating the system and, in turn, hurting vulnerable Americans. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement partners for their unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.”
According to court documents, Antao and Wasef were marketers and recruiters for two social adult day cares: Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc., located in Brooklyn, as well as Responsible Care Staffing Inc., a home health care fiscal intermediary. Between approximately October 2017 and July 2024, Wasef and Antao referred Medicaid recipients to the social adult day cares and the home health company in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. They also paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care services and home health care services that were billed to Medicaid but were not provided or that were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Wasef and Antao used multiple business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. As part of their plea agreements, Wasef and Antao agreed to collectively forfeit approximately $1 million. Wasef and Antao are the sixth and seventh individuals to plead guilty in this case.
Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Leonid Sandlar of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case with Assistant United States Attorney Michael Castiglione of the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Forfeiture Section who is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
ELAINE ANTAO
Age: 46
Brooklyn, New YorkMANAL WASEF
Age: 46
Brooklyn, New YorkDefendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:
HASHMI, AMRAN
Age: 55
Brooklyn, New YorkHELMY, JOSEPH
Age: 50
Brooklyn, New YorkISMAIL, AMAL
Age: 59
Brooklyn, New YorkKHAN, ZAKIA
Age: 54
Brooklyn, New YorkMEMON, SEEMA
Age: 31
Brooklyn, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-409 (NCM)
Three Georgia Fugitives, Including Federal Inmate, Charged in Violent Kidnapping and Armed Robbery SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment Wednesday charging three Georgia fugitives for their alleged roles in a violent scheme to abduct and rob a victim, possessing a firearm to carry out the kidnapping and robbery.
According to court records, Stevenson Charles, 24, had been in federal custody until Dec. 5, 2025, when he was transferred to Georgia state custody to await trial on charges related to a 2022 murder and armed robbery. During a routine security check on Dec. 22, 2025, authorities discovered that Charles, along with Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25, were missing from the facility.
After escaping, the defendants allegedly used a rideshare service in Georgia and kidnapped the driver. After entering the vehicle, one of the defendants allegedly wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck from behind, bound the victim’s hands, and forced the victim into the backseat. The defendants then allegedly threatened the victim’s life and told the victim to keep their head down while they drove into South Florida.
The defendants allegedly forced the victim to provide access to their banking accounts and funds and used the victim’s banking cards to make purchases at businesses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including securing a short-term rental residence in Broward County. The defendants allegedly assaulted the victim when the victim attempted to escape and transported the victim to the rental residence, where they allegedly prevented the victim from leaving.
Law enforcement later located Charles driving the victim’s vehicle, with Yohannes also inside. Charles allegedly led officers on a pursuit before fleeing on foot and was apprehended shortly thereafter. A firearm was recovered along the route of the pursuit. Yohannes was apprehended near the vehicle. Minor was also apprehended the same day.
The defendants are charged with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, Hobbs Act robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In addition, Charles is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy, kidnapping, and firearm counts. Charles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison on the firearm charge. Yohannes and Minor each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years on the firearm count. All three defendants also face up to 20 years in prison on the Hobbs Act robbery charge. Charles additionally faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life in prison on the felon-in-possession count.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
FBI Miami is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Maultasch and Jonathan Jacobson are prosecuting the case.
An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov, under case number 26-cr-60009.
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The Harvard Club of Boston Agrees to Pay $2.4 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The Harvard Club of Boston, a private club that is not formally affiliated with Harvard University, has agreed to pay approximately $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible.
Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has longstanding guidance identifying businesses that are ineligible for loan programs including “private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity” and “restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity.” SBA’s guidance also made clear that this restriction applied specifically to eligibility for PPP loans.
As detailed in the settlement agreement, The Harvard Club of Boston admits that, on May 4, 2021, it applied for and certified its eligibility for a first draw PPP loan. The Harvard Club of Boston later sought and received forgiveness from SBA of the full amount of its loan. At the time of its application, The Harvard Club of Boston operated as a private membership club that restricted membership to applicants who fit certain eligibility criteria, and therefore, it was ineligible for loans under the PPP program.
The settlement credits The Harvard Club of Boston for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters.
The claims resolved in today’s settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Foster will receive approximately $247,219. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Foster. v. Harvard Club of Boston, No. 25-cv-11530 (D. Mass. 2025).
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Wendell Davis, General Counsel for the Small Businesses Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case.
harvard_club_settlement_agreement_fully_executed.pdfTampa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing More Than Half a Million Dollars in COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Terrance Bradford (47, Tampa) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 30 months in federal prison for obtaining multiple fraudulent COVID relief loans. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, which represents the proceeds he obtained through these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, between April 2020 and March 2021, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan applications. On these applications, Bradford was asked whether he was suspended from contracting with the federal government or whether he was presently in bankruptcy. In response to each question, Bradford answered “no.” Despite Bradford’s certifications, based on a prior investigation from the Department of Labor, Bradford was excluded from receiving any federal contracts or grants. Furthermore, Bradford’s business was in bankruptcy proceedings when he submitted his applications. By concealing this information on his loan applications, Bradford obtained $533,648.32 in COVID relief funds to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.
Sumter Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy in Sumter, Richland CountiesRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jalik Shykeil Tucker, 31, of Sumter, has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in March 2023, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation after receiving information that Tucker was selling large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in both counties.
RCSD deputies made several undercover buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Tucker over a three-week period. During this same time, law enforcement was able to identify two locations in Sumter County and one location in Richland County that Tucker was using for storing and distribution of his drugs. They obtained search warrants for all three locations.
During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement found more than $25,000 cash, including money they paid in purchasing the drugs. They also found methamphetamine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, firearms, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, digital scales, baking soda used in the making of crack cocaine, sandwich bags used in the distribution of the drugs, and an electric mixer also used in drug distribution.
United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Tucker to 235 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.
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Statement from First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan EllisonRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – On January 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge David Nuffer issued a ruling regarding the designation of leadership at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico.
First Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Ellison issued the following statement:
“Yesterday, a federal district judge ruled that my designation as Acting United States Attorney was invalid. Importantly, the judge also ruled that I was validly designated as First Assistant United States Attorney and, in that capacity, could continue supervising the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. The judge also declined to dismiss any of the challenged indictments or disqualify me from supervising those cases.
Since I was appointed last April, I’ve repeatedly used the phrase “for however long I serve” because the duration of my time leading the United States Attorney’s Office has always been uncertain. Even though my title has changed, my mission remains the same. As the top federal prosecutor in New Mexico, I will work tirelessly to enhance public safety for all New Mexicans. I look forward to continuing to work with public servants of all political stripes for the betterment of our state—for however long I serve.”
St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug DealingRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Thursday sentenced a man from St. Louis County, Missouri who sold fentanyl and other drugs to 15 years in prison.
Dennis M. Davis, 48, pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. He admitted buying drugs from a Mexican source of supply and then returning some of the drug proceeds to a courier.
On Oct. 6, 2023, investigators conducted a court-approved search of Davis’ home in St. Louis County and found fentanyl, three handguns and $6,679 in cash. At a stash house in St. Louis used by Davis, they found a money counter, scales, kilograms of fentanyl and other drugs, four rifles and a handgun.
“Dennis Davis had enough fentanyl in his stash house to kill every single resident in the city of St. Louis,” Drug Enforcement Administration St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Davis said. “He was a threat to our city, pushing poisons, destroying lives and all the while lining his pockets with proceeds. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in our city, our state or our nation.”
“This case is another example of good task force work fueled by cooperation between both local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said IRS-CI St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “IRS-CI’s role in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. We’re proud to provide our financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS – Criminal Investigations, the St. Louis County Police Department and the U.S. Marshals investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Delworth prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
St. Charles Man Admits $400,000 EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Charles, Missouri on Thursday admitted embezzling more than $400,000 from his employer.
Talon Lewis, 33, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of mail fraud. He admitted that from Oct. 21, 2019, to at least Feb. 19, 2025, he hatched the scheme while working as an accounts payable specialist at a medical business. Lewis routinely received lists of patients who were owed refunds and was supposed to upload that information so the company could generate and mail refund checks. Lewis added fake patients to the refund lists and then had refunds sent to him or to the homes of friends and acquaintances. Those friends and acquaintances then kicked back 30% of the money they fraudulently received to Lewis. He admitted stealing more than $400,000 in this manner.
Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 16. Mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both prison and a fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting the case.
St. Charles County Bartender Admits Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former bartender from St. Charles County, Missouri on Thursday admitted possessing child sexual abuse material and installing hidden cameras in the bedroom and bathroom of a former residence.
Anthony Thomas, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He admitted possessing thousands of media files that contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he had downloaded and thousands more containing pornography where the age of those depicted is difficult to discern.
Thomas also admitted installing hidden cameras in a bathroom and bedroom of a former residence. The bedroom camera was disguised as a smoke detector. The bathroom camera was disguised as an outlet extension plug. Both captured images of a 14-year-old girl.
The investigation began in December 2024, when agents with Homeland Security Investigations learned that someone in St. Charles County was making CSAM available for download via the BitTorrent peer-to-peer network. They then conducted a court-approved search of Thomas’ home and seized multiple electronic devices that contained CSAM.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Charles County Regional SWAT Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for fentanyl distribution and illegally possessing firearms.
Darius Burnett, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to a total sentence of 13 years in federal prison without parole.
Burnett pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 8, 2025.
On Nov. 8, 2023, investigators with the ATF, DEA, and Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant at Burnett’s residence. During the search of Burnett’s apartment and vehicle, officers located four loaded semi-automatic pistols, including two with extended magazines, body armor, ammunition, marijuana, over 1,000 pills containing fentanyl, and $78,935.80 in cash. In an interview, the defendant described himself as the “top dude” in Springfield, Missouri, for fentanyl sales, stated that he was purchasing 5,000 pills a month from a source in St. Louis, Missouri, and admitted that the cash located by law enforcement were drug proceeds.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Southern Utah Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Wire Fraud that Cost Investors Millions of DollarsRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Brian Garry Sewell, 54, of Washington County, Utah, was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, followed by 36 months of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud that cost investors over $2.9 million. Additionally, in a separate case (4:24cr54), Sewell admitted that he operated an unlicensed money transmitting business where bulk cash was converted into crypto currency. In that case, he was also sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and 36 months of supervised release.
Sewell’s two sentences will run concurrently with each other for a total of three years imprisonment. In addition to his term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, ordered Sewell to pay $3,605,182 in restitution to defrauded investors, a mortgage lender, and a credit union in case number 4:24cr55. He was also ordered to pay $217,727 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in case number 4:24cr54.
According to court documents and admissions made at Sewell’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Sewell participated in a scheme from December 2017 to April 2024, in Utah and elsewhere, to defraud others by obtaining victims’ money and cryptocurrency. Sewell obtained money from at least 17 investors by lying about his experience, education, and ability to generate large returns. As a result, Sewell’s fraudulent behavior led to him obtaining over $2.9 million.
Additionally, from March 2020 to September 2020, in the District of Utah and elsewhere, Sewell managed Rockwell Capital Management, an unlicensed money transmitting business, without registering it as required by law. Sewell and his company converted bulk cash to cryptocurrency on behalf of third parties, including criminals engaged in fraud and drug trafficking. Sewell charged the third parties a fee for each transaction. In total, he converted over $5.4 million to cryptocurrency. He did so without complying with federal laws designed to prevent the movement of illicit funds. See prior press release: Two Washington County Residents Indicted after Allegedly Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks our federal partners, and prosecutors for their hard work on this investigation and commitment to holding individuals like Sewell accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak. “My office is committed to stopping criminals from using our financial system to move dirty money. And we will continue to prosecute those who ignore statutes designed to stop the flow of illicit funds.”
“This sentencing brings to an end a multi-million-dollar investment fraud scheme that used the operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business to defraud investors out of millions and steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the federal government,” said IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory. “When this type of scheme emerges, all Americans are affected. Investors are victimized, taxpayers are defrauded, and dirty money is easily moved through the financial system with no scrutiny. IRS-CI will continue to investigate unlicensed money transmitting businesses and bring these fraudsters to justice.”
“Fraud schemes like this don’t just involve financial losses—they shatter trust and upend lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Sewell preyed on his victims by lying about his experience and promising returns he could not deliver, leaving individuals and families to bear the consequences of his deception. The FBI will continue to put victims first by holding offenders accountable and pursuing those who misuse cryptocurrency and unlicensed financial services to exploit others.”
“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of the U.S. financial system. This case demonstrates that those who exploit unlicensed financial services and defraud investors will be held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Denver Special Agent in Charge Steve Cagen. “Working alongside our federal partners, HSI will continue to pursue individuals who attempt to move illicit funds and undermine public trust. We are dedicated to ensuring that criminals cannot use our financial system to profit from deception.”
The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Southern District of Texas launches Operation Lighthouse, a new initiative to combat sexual assault of rideshare passengersRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A new Southern District of Texas initiative has resulted in the return of four separate indictments against Houston-area men for kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Cesar Martell, 32, Humble, and Janaka Manatunga, 57, Conroe, are set to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. Authorities previously arrested Barney Steven Flores, 35, Tomball, who remains in federal custody.
Also charged is Abdou Mbacke, 42, who last resided in The Woodlands. He is a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest.
These charges are the result of Operation Lighthouse, a Southern District of Texas initiative to combat sexual abuse involving ridesharing applications. The initiative leverages federal resources and sentencing laws to secure more meaningful penalties, bring justice to victims and ultimately promote a greater sense of safety within the community.
“Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Operation Lighthouse is sending an unmistakably clear message–if you abuse your position to hurt others, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you. Every passenger deserves to arrive at their destination safely; my office will fight to make that happen.”
“Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke allegedly disguised themselves as trusted rideshare drivers to commit some of the most traumatic and violent crimes against female passengers,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Today’s arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults to law enforcement. We encourage other potential victims of these men, or any other predators posing as rideshare drivers, to come forward and report it to the FBI.”
According to the indictments returned Dec. 16, 2025, Martell, Manatunga, Flores and Mbacke are charged with kidnapping victims and exploiting them for the purpose of sexual gratification. The charges also allege the defendants either drove their victims to locations other than what they had requested or prevented them from leaving the drivers’ vehicles.
In the case of Cesar Martell, he is alleged to have committed two separate sexual assaults while employed as a rideshare driver. Martell allegedly strangled his victims either before or during the sexual assaults.
Court records indicate all four men previously worked for a rideshare company over multiple years. However, the company allegedly terminated their accounts following victim reports. Some of the defendants are also facing state charges.
If convicted, each faces up to life in prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
If you believe you are a victim of a similar sexual assault involving any rideshare service or if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mbacke, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law
Somersworth Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Somersworth Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution
CONCORD – A Somersworth man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing 100 grams of fentanyl for distribution, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Antoine Valentin, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 96 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release. Valentin previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
“Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in lethal drugs like fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This defendant was preparing to distribute this deadly substance, putting lives at risk. Our office will continue supporting our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in drug interdiction efforts to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our streets, and to hold accountable those who seek to profit from poisoning the public and devastating New Hampshire communities.”
“Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. The men and women of the DEA will continue to work each day alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs.”
“The Dover Police Department is proud to have participated in this collaborative investigative effort with local and federal law enforcement to help remove these dangerous drugs from our communities. We believe that this substantial sentence is appropriate to hold Antoine Valentin accountable for his criminal conduct,” said Chief David Terlemezian, Dover Police Department.
On November 1, 2022, law enforcement authorities arrested Valentin at his Somersworth residence on a state assault charge, which led to the seizure of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and drug proceeds totaling $1,300 in United States currency.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somersworth Police Department led the investigation. The Dover Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Seabrook Police Department, Rochester Police Department, University of New Hampshire Police Department, and the York, Maine, Police Department, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case.
This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Semblex Corporation Agrees to Pay $3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Wilmington, Del. – Semblex Corporation, a Delaware corporation, agreed to pay $3,052,250 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for which it was not eligible.
PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, and administered by the SBA. It was created to support small businesses and ensure that they could continue to pay employees and meet other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for a PPP loan, a business was required to certify that it had no more than 300 employees, including employees of any domestic and foreign affiliates.
Semblex engineers and manufactures advanced cold-formed fasteners and precision components for various applications across automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors. Semblex is indirectly, wholly owned by Jinhap Co., Ltd., a South Korean manufacturer.
In February 2021, Semblex applied for and obtained a $2,000,000 PPP loan after falsely certifying that it, together with its affiliates, had under 300 employees. Semblex later sought and received forgiveness from SBA of the full amount of that loan. Semblex, however, was ineligible for the loan because it, together with its affiliates including ultimate parent company Jinhap Co., had over 300 employees.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare handled the case, with assistance from Christopher J. McClintock of the SBA.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party—known as a relator—can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the relator will receive a share of the settlement.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. The settlement agreement is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-264-CFC.
The claims resolved by the settlement are merely allegations. There has been no determination of liability.
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Salvadoran National Arrested for Sexual Assault of Albemarle Teen, Second Man Indicted for Role in Exploiting VictimRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILE, Va. – Gustavo Quintero, who was indicted by a federal grand jury last month for the repeated sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old Albemarle County girl months after he, and another man, got her so intoxicated she couldn’t walk, made his initial appearance in federal court today.
The indictment charges Quintero, 25, with two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of possession of child pornography.
The second defendant, Bryan Sixto Arias-Chicas, 23, a citizen of El Salvador who previously had his green card revoked, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in October.
According to the indictment and other court documents, on May 7, 2025, Quintero and Arias-Chicas encountered Minor Victim 1 (MV1), a 16-year-old female, near the intersection of Greenbrier Drive and Seminole Trail in Charlottesville. Quintero and Arias-Chicas did not know the victim before the encounter. However, they purchased alcohol for MV1. Specifically, they purchased Mike’s Harder Mango Lemonade (8% alcohol by volume) and Four Loko (13.9% alcohol by volume). MV1 consumed the alcohol and became intoxicated.
That same night, police received a call from a citizen reporting two males carrying a young female, who appeared to be intoxicated. The citizen stopped and asked if they needed help, but the two individuals said they were taking MV1 to the hospital.
After getting MV1 intoxicated, Quintero and Arias-Chicas sexually assaulted MV1 throughout the night and into the next morning. Late in the morning on May 8, 2025, Quintero and Arias-Chicas dropped MV1 off near an apartment complex in Albemarle County.
Law enforcement found MV1 wrapped in a brown blanket, staggering down the sidewalk on Commonwealth Avenue, visibly upset, and wearing clothes that she later said did not belong to her. Investigators were later able to identify Quintero and Arias-Chicas as two of the men who initially made contact with MV1. Further investigation revealed that Arias-Chicas was on probation.
On June 16, 2025, Arias-Chicas was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations on an unrelated matter. During this arrest, ICE recovered a phone belonging to Arias-Chicas, which contained evidence linking him to the sexual assault of MV1 on May 7 and 8.
Two months after assaulting MV1, in the middle of July 2025, Quintero reconnected with MV1 via social media, and they began to engage in sexual conversation. In the course of this conversation, Quintero also tried to get MV1 to engage in additional sexual activity with him.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations in Harrisonburg is investigating the case. The Albemarle County Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Scheff is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding an Investor of $777,470Read the Press Release
Jaswant Singh Gill, 57, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud for orchestrating an investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between May 2024 and June 2025, Gill was the Chief Executive Officer of Kismet Capital Partners LLC. Using Kismet Capital, Gill executed a scheme to defraud that involved making false representations and promises in exchange for purported investments. Gill falsely represented to investors that Kismet Capital was an investment firm with about 20 employees. He falsely promised that funds invested into Kismet Capital would be used solely for investment purposes, and the investor would receive a specific monthly rate of return. Based on the promises, a victim investor sent approximately $777,470 in the form of cash and wire transfers to be invested into Kismet. The victim obtained these funds from sources including personal loans, loans against an IRA, and a home equity line of credit. Gill also used at least one of the victim’s credit cards to obtain cash advances.
Instead of using the funds for investment purposes, Gill used the stolen funds for his own personal use including, paying for dinners at restaurants, paying a personal driver, and purchases of luxury items. During the time that Gill was stealing the investor’s funds, Gill falsely assured the investor that their investment was growing, when in fact, the investment was not growing.
Also based on court records, Gill committed this scheme to defraud while on federal supervised release that was imposed after Gill’s 2018 conviction for wire fraud in another federal judicial district.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nchekube Onyima is prosecuting the case.
Gill is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026, before Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Gill faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
Roxbury Man Convicted for Role in Fraudulent CDL SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Roxbury man was convicted yesterday in federal court in Boston for engaging in a scheme to cause the Massachusetts RMV to issue a Commercial Learners’ Permit (“CLP”) to an individual by providing that individual with the answers to CLP exam questions. In the state of Massachusetts, you must have a commercial learner’s permit before obtaining a commercial driver’s license.
Frank Castro, 52, was convicted of unlawful production of identification document. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2026. Castro was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024.
On or about Oct. 18, 2021, Castro told an undercover agent that he could help him obtain a CLP in Massachusetts for $3,000. On or about Dec. 10, 2021, Castro explained to the undercover agent that the agent would need to sneak a Bluetooth device into the testing area at the RMV, surreptitiously place the device into his ear, then cover it with headphones used during the exam. Castro explained that he would be connected with the undercover agent via the Bluetooth device such that Castro could hear the audio questions and provide the undercover agent with the correct answers.
On or about Dec. 22, 2021, the undercover agent deposited $3,000 into Castro’s bank account before proceeding to the Danvers RMV to take the CLP exam. The undercover agent connected with Castro using the Bluetooth device and Castro provided the exam answers to the undercover agent in real time during the exam. The undercover agent passed the exam with Castro’s unlawful assistance and received a Massachusetts CLP.
The charge of unlawful production of an identification document provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, Northeastern Region, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and David G. Tobin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Ponca City Man Convicted of Possession of Unregistered Short-Barreled ShotgunRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – DOYLE GLEN WILSON, 59, of Ponca City, has been convicted by a federal jury of possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On October 7, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Wilson with possession of an unregistered firearm. Testimony presented earlier this week at trial showed that on July 11, 2025, officers with the Ponca City Police Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s home while searching for a short-barreled shotgun used in an assault. Officers located the shotgun in a closet. Under federal law, possession of a short-barreled shotgun requires that the firearm be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Wilson had not registered the short-barreled shotgun found in his residence.
On January 14, 2026, a federal jury found Wilson guilty of illegally possessing an unregistered firearm.
At sentencing, Wilson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ponca City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Cole McFerren are prosecuting the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Prison Time for Bank Burglars Involved in Multi-State ATM Heist SchemeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Quinnaland Jerome Rhodes, 39, of Apalachicola, Florida, Imuel Wade Thompkins, 31, of Missouri City, Texas, and Derron Skinner, 34, of Houston, Texas, were sentenced to prison for conspiracy to commit burglaries, bank burglary, and bank larceny. Thompkins was sentenced to four years in prison; Skinner received a three-year prison term; and Rhodes was sentenced to two years in prison. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe Police Department, and the FBI, these offenders and their multi-state burglary scheme were stopped cold in their tracks. My office will continue to back up the hard work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to send criminals like these men to federal prison.”
On December 10, 2023, and December 23, 2023, Skinner, Thompkins, and Rhodes committed a string of ATM burglaries at banks in Port St. Joe and Callaway, Florida. To commit the burglaries, the defendants used stolen Ford F-250 trucks and tow chains to forcibly open the ATMs. After Thompkins and Rhodes were arrested, it was discovered that Skinner and Thompkins also committed ATM burglaries using stolen Ford F-250 trucks at banks in Oregon and Missouri. The conspirators’ criminal actions caused approximately $351,284 in damage.
“This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said Chief of Police Jake Richards, Port St Joe Police Department. “These were well-organized property crimes that impacted our community and others across the country. Because of coordinated investigative work, those responsible are now being held accountable.”
Sheriff Tommy Ford, Bay County Sheriff’s Office said: “When criminals target our communities, we work together to hold them accountable and protect the people we serve.”
All three defendants will be on supervised release for three years following their release from prison. They were ordered to pay $351,284 in restitution.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Port St. Joe Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Malcolm Terrell Louis, 40, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams of more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to keep drugs and this dangerous criminal off our streets. This is yet another win for Operation Take Back America, fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to unleash the full power of the Department of Justice to incapacitate the violent drug traffickers and career criminals who have terrorized our streets for far too long.”
According to court records, on December 17, 2024, law enforcement observed a parked vehicle outside a housing complex in Pensacola with the engine running and no one inside. Multiple bags of narcotics including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, cell phones, and a Glock handgun were observed inside the vehicle. The cell phone was later identified as belonging to the defendant and his fingerprints were on one of the bags of narcotics. The methamphetamine weighed over 50 grams. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Pensacola that was occupied by the defendant and others. Investigators located multiple firearms, ammunition, and multiple bags of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The methamphetamine weighed over 25 grams. The defendant is a multi-time convicted felon, who was released from state prison in 2024 after a five-year sentence.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Man Charged with Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Adrian Dion Pettaway Jr., 24, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with distribution of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Pettaway appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon on December 22, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Pettaway faces between five to 40 years’ imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Ohio Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years or Marijuana and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Michael Garringer, 43, of Troy, Ohio, was sentenced on January 14, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and money laundering. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Garringer to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Garringer will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
Garringer was charged based on his involvement with a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that transported large quantities of marijuana and marijuana products, as well as the proceeds from the sale of those products, all across the country for more than 20 years. Garringer was involved in the DTO’s Midwest operations where a number of warehouses were used to distribute the marijuana products and proceeds. Garringer was responsible for managing warehouses in Chicago, Cincinnati, Nashville, and Florida, where loads of marijuana were delivered from California, then distributed to local customers. The proceeds from the sale of the marijuana were then collected and shipped back to California where it was distributed to other co-conspirators and owners of the marijuana. The investigation resulted in the seizure of thousands of pounds marijuana and marijuana products and more than $30 million in cash and assets purchased with the proceeds from the illegal sales.
This is the result of a long-term investigation that is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Nebraska State Patrol, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and various other state and local agencies across the United States.
New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft in Connection with Stolen $810,000 Tax Refund CheckRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Yonkers, N.Y. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a scheme to steal an $810,000 tax refund by impersonating a corporate executive in Connecticut.
Steven Ware, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 40 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ware was also ordered to pay $322,436.28 in restitution. In July 2025, Ware pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Ware was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024.
In December 2023, Ware opened bank accounts in the name of a Connecticut investment company and one of its executives at a credit union in Tyngsborough, Mass. When opening the account, Ware identified himself as the executive – using the executive’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number and other documents.
Shortly after opening the account, Ware returned to the credit union pretending to be the executive and deposited a United States Treasury check payable to the company and the executive for $810,337.
Once the check cleared, a debit card was used to withdraw money from the account to buy goods at various retailers in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Ware returned to the Tyngsborough credit union several times over the following days and weeks pretending to be the executive and wired more than $634,000 of the stolen funds.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; and Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, OIG made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Tyngsborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dominic Love Davis, 52, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to failure to update his registration as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Circuit Court on January 7, 2013, and required to register as a sex offender for life. From on or about May 20, 2021, through on or about April 15, 2025, Davis failed to update his registration including when he traveled from West Virginia to New York.
Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.
SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-72.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that PJ WHITAKER (“WHITAKER”), age 36, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 7, 2026 to one year of probation by U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry. WHITAKER previously pleaded guilty to two counts of destruction of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703.
According to court documents, WHITAKER, while employed as a Postal Service employee, unlawfully opened packages, intended to be conveyed by mail, that had come into his possession while he worked on a Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican national sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking heroin, illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Daniel H. Rodriguez-Andrade, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and for illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony.
According to court documents, Rodriguez-Andrade has been deported from the United States on four previous occasions.
In July 2024, law enforcement officials encountered Rodriguez-Andrade in Pataskala, Ohio. The defendant possessed nearly two and a half kilograms of black tar heroin that he intended to sell for profit in Central Ohio. Rodriguez-Andrade attempted to sell the bulk heroin for $80,000 but was apprehended by law enforcement.
Rodriguez-Andrade was charged by federal criminal complaint in August 2024 and pleaded guilty in July 2025.
At the time of his instant offense, the defendant was on supervised release for a federal conviction in Arizona. The Court also sentenced him to 16 months in prison for violating his supervised release, with 12 months of that sentence to be served consecutively to the 120-month sentence imposed.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp announced the sentence imposed on Jan. 14 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 25 Years for Trafficking Narcotics in the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lorenzo Valerio-Popoca (31, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 25 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and for distributing methamphetamine in the Tampa Bay area. A jury found Valerio guilty on July 31, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.
Valerio, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, was indicted in 2019 for trafficking methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2017 and 2018, Valerio routinely brokered and received kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine directly from his narcotics sources of supply in Mexico. Valerio then sold the methamphetamine in bulk to others in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, among other locales. On behalf of Valerio, other conspirators regularly transported the methamphetamine throughout the Middle District of Florida to the respective buyers.
Valerio often arranged the sale of at least 1-2 kilograms of methamphetamine per transaction. In March 2018, Valerio’s courier delivered two kilograms of methamphetamine to a buyer in Hillsborough County; the drugs were later seized by law enforcement. Below are photos of the seized methamphetamine from March 2018.
Before he was arrested in 2019, Valerio left the Middle District of Florida and remained a fugitive from justice until 2022, when he was arrested for trafficking over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine in Pasadena, Texas. Pictured below is the seized methamphetamine from Texas belonging to Valerio and his transnational criminal organization.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Tampa), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pasadena (TX) Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Asheville (NC) office and the United Stated States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (Houston office). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Metairie Man Sentenced for Possessing Materials Involving Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Violating Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that ROBERT ANTHONY MARSH, JR. (“MARSH”), age 60, of Metairie, La. was sentenced on January 13, 2026, for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, MARSH’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. At the time of this search, MARSH was on supervised release for a 2014 state conviction for Pornography Involving Juveniles. On December 19, 2024, following the search of his home, MARSH was arrested by Louisiana State Probation and Parole for possession of a Model 922 H&R Arms Co. firearm by a prohibited person and possession of child pornography. Thereafter, MARSH was transferred from state to federal custody in connection with this federal investigation.
MARSH was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2025, and on August 26, 2025, MARSH pled guilty in federal court to knowingly possessing over 21 videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors and to knowingly possessing a firearm as a prohibited person.
On January 13, 2026, United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion sentenced MARSH to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by ten (10) years of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a $200.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Jefferson Parish Police Department; and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Probation and Parole. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Man Who Committed Two Chicago Carjackings Sentenced to 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for participating in two violent carjackings in Chicago.
EDMUND SINGLETON and two co-defendants conspired to commit the carjackings on a single night in November 2022. In the first carjacking, Singleton drove the trio in a stolen car to a gas station in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, where the co-defendants violently took an Infiniti Q50 sedan from a driver who was pumping gas. One of the co-defendants jammed a gun so hard into the victim’s back that it left a bruise.
A few hours later, Singleton drove the trio to a gas station in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, where the co-defendants attempted to take a BMW X6 from a driver who was also pumping gas. The co-defendants pointed guns at the driver, who walked with the assistance of crutches. The victim fell to the ground after being approached by the armed men. The co-defendants tried to drive away in the BMW but gave up when they couldn’t operate the victim’s specially designed car. The co-defendants retreated into Singleton’s car, and he sped away from the scene.
A law enforcement officer soon spotted Singleton’s vehicle, and a chase involving police helicopters ensued. As police closed in, the defendants abandoned Singleton’s car and fled on foot while armed with guns. The defendants ran through backyards of residential homes and dropped their guns before police arrested them.
A federal jury last year convicted Singleton, 35, and co-defendant RAMONE BRADLEY, 27, both of Chicago, on carjacking and firearm offenses. On Jan. 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly sentenced Singleton to 17 years in federal prison. Judge Kennelly found that Singleton committed obstruction of justice before trial when he paid a co-defendant to author a false alibi affidavit for Singleton.
Judge Kennelly last year sentenced Bradley to nine years in federal prison.
The third defendant—MARQUELL DAVIS, 23, of Chicago—pleaded guilty prior to trial and admitted his role in the carjackings. Judge Kennelly last year sentenced Davis to 12 years in federal prison.
The sentences were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
“Defendant’s crimes were serious, violent, and showed a complete disregard for human life,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elie Zenner and Simar Khera argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Carjackings like those here not only leave the victims scarred and perhaps looking for new places to live, but they impact the sense of safety and security for all Chicagoans.”
Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
St. Croix, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 12, 2026, John Paul Cunningham, 31, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Wilma A. Lewis for possession of child pornography. Judge Lewis sentenced Cunningham to 84 months’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Restitution will be determined later.
According to documents filed with the court, on or about May 5, 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cyber tip line received information from Google, Inc. regarding a Gmail account user on St. Croix viewing or uploading what appeared to be child sexual exploitation materials. Google provided subscriber information, including the owner’s name and contact numbers for the account. The information revealed that the email address belonged to Cunningham. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that Cunningham would be traveling from St. Croix to the mainland. On June 9, 2020, HSI agents went to Henry Rohlsen Airport and made contact with and interviewed Cunningham. After receiving Cunningham’s consent, agents searched his cell phone Google cloud account and found thousands of images of child sexual abuse material that showed minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images were produced using materials which had been mailed, shipped, or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, and Cunningham knew the visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.Man Admits Using False Identity for Decades to Evade Arrest and Collect Social SecurityRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Leslie Kay Peterson, a U.S. citizen who was living in La Paz, Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud charges, admitting that he created a false identity in the 1970s to evade a warrant for his arrest and illegally collect social security.
In his plea agreement, Peterson, 72, admitted that he used a forged birth certificate to apply for a new social security number under the name “Ronald Allen Steele” to avoid arrest after he violated terms of his probation for robbery in 1978.
The Social Security Administration assigned “Steele” a social security number in 1978, and after fleeing the country, Peterson used his new false identity to apply for a United States passport in Honduras. In 2018, Peterson applied for Retirement Insurance Benefits from the Social Security Administration as “Steele” and collected his benefits while living as a permanent resident in Mexico.
Once officials discovered his deception, Peterson was arrested while crossing the border on November 23, 2025, using the fraudulently issued passport in the “Steele” identity. He has remained in custody since his arrest.
As a part of his plea agreement, Peterson has agreed to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $130,632.80, representing all money fraudulently paid to him as “Ronald Allen Steele” since 2018. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kete and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25-CR-4751-RSH
Leslie Kay Peterson (aka Ronald Allen Steele) Age: 72 La Paz, Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Social Security Fraud – Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(4)
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $262,265 fine
Passport Fraud – Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542
Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Department of State – State Diplomatic Security Service
Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General
Macomb County Resident Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Pandemic Assistance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
DETROIT - A Macomb County resident was sentenced yesterday for her role in a multi-million-dollar Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit.
Rita Shaba, 40, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
According to court records, Shaba and her co-conspirators caused fraudulent PPP applications to be submitted for several business entities. Those applications misrepresented payroll information for the business entities and falsely certified that PPP loan funds would be used for permissible business-related purposes. The defendants also caused fictitious payroll, health insurance, bank, and tax records to be submitted in connection with the PPP loan applications.
The defendants received over $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan funds. To date, law enforcement has seized and recovered over $2.1 million of those funds.
The Paycheck Protection Program was created by Congress to provide assistance to businesses harmed by the economic dislocations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shaba was sentenced by Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey. Her co-defendants, Samer Kammo and Christina Anasi, still await sentencing.
As part of her sentence, Shaba was also ordered to pay $3,294,798.50 in restitution.
According to court records, when Shaba learned of the government’s investigation, she messaged a co-conspirator and stated that she thought she was ““going on a long vacation” and “leaving for a few years.”
“Rita Shaba told countless lies in this case. But this is true: when you get caught committing major fraud in our district, we will aggressively prosecute you and seek substantial prison time,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
"When federal relief programs are fraudulently abused, accountability must follow,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Rita Shaba diverted pandemic relief funds intended to support workers and small businesses, exploiting a national emergency for personal gain. The sentence imposed demonstrates that fraudulent abuse will not be tolerated. This result would not be possible without the hardworking investigative efforts of our team from the FBI Macomb County Resident Agency, HSI, and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan whose diligence ensured this scheme was uncovered and brought to justice.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the integrity of federal relief programs and holding accountable those who exploit them for personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of HSI Detroit. “This sentence demonstrates that individuals who defraud programs intended to help businesses and workers in times of crisis will face serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has also provided valuable assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. Related forfeiture and restitution matters are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan.
Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty yesterday to a years-long drug conspiracy and a January 2023 armed robbery of a drug distributor, during which the defendant and another individual stole approximately $24,000 in drug trafficking proceeds intended for the purchase of cocaine.
Harvey Rodriguez, a/k/a “Big Opp,” 29, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of conspiracy interfere with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery). U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for April 27, 2026. In August 2025, Rodriguez was arrested and charged.
Rodriguez was a participant in a multi-year drug conspiracy that took place in the Lynn area and on the North Shore of Massachusetts. As described in the court papers, Rodriguez conspired with numerous other distributors including those he supplied, and others who have been previously charged with federal drug offenses, including Vincent Caruso, a/k/a “Fatz”, Lawrence Michael Nagle, Jr. and Schuyler Oppenheimer, a/k/a “SK”. The drug conspiracy involved the manufacturing of counterfeit prescription pills and the sale of kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl in Lynn and throughout Massachusetts. Over the course of the investigation, Rodriguez distributed cocaine and methamphetamine to a cooperating witness and confidential informant on four occasions.
Rodriguez also participated in an armed robbery of a drug customer. On Jan. 30, 2023, a drug transaction was scheduled to take place at an apartment in Woburn, during which an associate of Rodriguez was to deliver a kilogram of cocaine in exchange for approximately $24,000. During the transaction, Rodriguez and Claudio Melo entered the apartment and pointed semiautomatic pistols at the drug customer before taking the $24,000 in cash, which was proceeds of drug trafficking activities the drug customer was engaged in. Rodriguez and Melo then forced the drug customer to open a safe in his bedroom, which was empty. Shortly thereafter, both robbers departed with the $24,000 cash.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Lynn Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 140 Months for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Derek Spurlock, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 16, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with one prior conviction for a serious drug felony. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Spurlock to a total of 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Spurlock’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release.
On November 7, 2024, Spurlock was arrested on an active arrest warrant. Spurlock was carrying a backpack with him when he was approached by law enforcement. A search of the backpack resulted in approximately 440 grams of methamphetamine, 231 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two digital scales, syringes, and plastic baggies. Additionally, $341 in U.S. currency were located on his person. The methamphetamine was sent to the state crime lab and was confirmed to contain at least 410 grams of methamphetamine actual.
Officers applied for a search warrant for a hotel room in which he was staying. Inside the room, law enforcement found a glass pipe, plastic bags, and a plastic cup with methamphetamine residue.
In 2017, Spurlock was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in Lancaster County District Court.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Leader of Local Money Laundering Cell Pleads Guilty to $42 Million International Elder Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Victor Marion, aka “Vic,” pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting he participated in an international fraud and money laundering scheme that tricked elderly victims in the U.S. out of more than $42 million.
In November 2025, Marion was charged alongside 21 other alleged coconspirators. Marion, the lead defendant, pleaded guilty to both a mail and wire fraud conspiracy and a money laundering conspiracy.
According to public documents, this case arises from a San Diego Elder Justice Task Force investigation into a long-running Indian call center scam operated from Dubai and India that targeted elderly individuals in the United States. The fraud scheme is alleged to have generated pop-up advertisements on individuals’ computers that directed them to call for technical support where scammers posed as technical support representatives (e.g., Microsoft, McAfee, etc.).
After scamming victims out of several hundred dollars in technical support payments, the scammers conducted yet another scam by claiming the victims were owed a refund. Rather than issuing refunds, scammers used remote desktop software to make it appear as if victims received tens of thousands of dollars more than they were entitled. Using a variety of techniques, scammers then baited victims into mailing and wiring those fake refund overages to money transmitters in the United States, including the large cell led by Marion in San Diego. While the full scope of the scam is still being uncovered, the FBI has identified over 500 victims and obtained approximately 100,000 recorded calls between the scammers and potential victims.
In his plea agreement, Marion admitted to participating knowingly in the mail and wire fraud as well as the money laundering portion of the scam for an organization that targeted elderly individuals. As set forth in his plea agreement, Marion assisted coconspirators in registering shell companies and opening bank accounts aimed at receiving fraud funds. In exchange, Marion retained a percentage of the fraud funds flowing through those San Diego-based shell companies’ accounts.
In addition to operating a money laundering cell, public documents alleged that Marion travelled to Thailand with others where he met the foreign organizers of the scheme. On that trip, the foreign organizers treated Marion and his group to high-end tourist activities, including petting Tigers and throwing stacks of money into the air on the stage at Thai clubs (below left – Marion depicted in a Thai club; below right – Marion depicted petting a tiger):
In his plea agreement, Marion admitted that he travelled to Asia with others to meet the foreign organizers of the scheme and learn how to conduct the fraud itself. And, while there, he learned how to conduct the refund portion of the fraud.
This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force and its member agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and San Diego Police Department.
A sentencing hearing for Marion is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). You can also report fraud to any local law enforcement agency or on the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
The FBI requests that victims report:
- The name of the person or company that contacted you.
- Methods of communication used, including websites, emails, and telephone numbers.
- Any bank account number(s) to which you wired funds and the recipient name(s).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley E. Goff and Shivanjali A. Sewak.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25cr4061-TWR-1
Victor Marion Age: 43 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1349 and 2326
Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison and $1 million fine
Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the amount of monetary instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greatest
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
San Diego Elder Justice Task Force
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego Police DepartmentLawrence Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet with a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to using an interstate facility to transmit information about a child.
Alex Bou, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of use of an interstate facility to transmit information about a child before U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick who scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2026. In August 2025, Bou was arrested and charged.
On Aug. 17, 2025, Bou responded to an advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts. The advertisement contained images of a young female and language purported to be written by a female describing herself as a “flower ready to blossom.” On Aug. 17, 2025, Bou sent a text message to the number listed on the advertisement saying, “U available,” to which an undercover agent posing as the purported minor responded suggesting Aug. 19, 2025.
On Aug. 19, 2025, Bou continued his conversation with the undercover agent. In their conversation, the undercover agent stated that she was a 15-year-old girl available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. Upon being informed that the purported minor was 15 years old, Bou responded with, “Ok are you a virgin?” Bou agreed to pay $175 to have unprotected sex with the purported minor and acknowledged that he was agreeing to have sex with an “underage girl.” Bou obtained her address via text message, and shortly thereafter arrived at the location where he was placed under arrest.
The charge of using interstate facilities to transmit information about a minor provides for a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig E. Estes of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit is prosecuting the case.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Lackawanna father going to prison for 17 years for his role in kidnapping conspiracy attempting to force his daughter to marry in YemenRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Khaled Abughanem, 53, of Lackawanna, NY, who was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to kidnap a person in a foreign country, kidnapping conspiracy, and threatening to retaliate against a victim, was sentenced to serve 204 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that on September 8, 2021, Khaled and his son, co-defendant Adham Abughanem, flew from Buffalo, NY, to Guadalajara, Mexico to kidnap the Victim, who is the daughter of Khaled and the sister of Adham. Between September 10, 2021, and April 6, 2023, Khaled and Adham Abughanem conspired to transport the Victim from the Western District of New York to Cairo, Egypt, and then to Sanaa, Yemen, where they confined the Victim for approximately 16 months with the purpose of marrying her to a man not of her choosing. In addition, on March 14, 2023, Khaled Abughanem threatened to “slaughter[]” the Victim in retaliation for information she gave to a law enforcement officer relating to the commission of a federal offense.
Khaled and Adham Abughanem were previously convicted by a federal jury at trial. Adham Abughanem is awaiting sentencing. Another co-defendant, Waleed Abughanem, also a brother of the Victim, was previously convicted following a guilty plea to misprision of felony and sentenced to serve 36 months in prison.
“Khaled Abughanem, along with his sons and other family members, traveled internationally in an attempt to force his daughter and their sister into a forced marriage in Yemen,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “What this defendant and the others failed to recognize was holding someone against their will, so they can enter into a forced marriage, is a crime in the United States. Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct as he will now spend a significant period of time in prison.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI will aggressively pursue those who exploit family ties to commit violent crimes and deprive victims of their freedom,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to protecting victims and working with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice for crimes that cross international borders.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service welcomes today’s sentencing of Khaled Abughanem for conspiring to kidnap his own daughter in New York and attempting to force her to marry in Yemen,” said DSS Protective Intelligence Investigations Director Greg Anderson. “Justice was served thanks to the unshakable courage of the victim in this case as well as the close collaboration between DSS, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York, the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Lackawanna Police Department,”
Khaled Abughanem’s sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Protective Intelligence Investigations Director Greg Anderson. Additional assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief Mark Packard, Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and CPB in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Jury Convicts Orlando Man of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Involving COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Dexter Ray King (36, Orlando) guilty of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. King faces a mandatory penalty of 2 years in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft and up to 30 years on each bank fraud count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to evidence presented at trial, during the COVID-19 pandemic, King filed dozens of fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits across several states. For many of the claims, King used stolen identities and fake addresses. Once the claims were approved, King changed the addresses on the claims to his Orlando apartment, ensuring that the debit cards containing the fraudulently obtained government benefits were mailed to him. He then used the debit cards to withdraw the funds from the bank. King also filed fraudulent claims using his own name, but Social Security numbers that did not belong to him, and had the resulting benefits direct deposited into his bank account. In total, King received more than $500,000 in fraud proceeds, which he spent on a new $77,000 SUV, a trip to Las Vegas, pricey restaurants, and luxury fashion brands.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
Jury Convicts Honduran National of Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Nidia Roxana Maradiaga-Flores (28), an illegal alien from Honduras, guilty of aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Maradiaga-Flores faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture), a construction company, is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Maradiaga-Flores is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On March 23, 2022, Maradiaga-Flores applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Maradiaga-Flores falsely identified herself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III, and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Jordanian Man Admits Selling Unauthorized Access to Computer Networks of 50 CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Jordanian man who was residing in the Republic of Georgia admitted his role as an “access broker” who sold unauthorized access to computer networks of at least 50 victim companies, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Feras Khalil Ahmad Albashiti, a/k/a “r1z,” a/k/a “Feras Bashiti,” and a/k/a “Firas Bashiti, 40, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court today to an information charging Albashiti with fraud and related activity in connection with access credentials.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In May 2023, law enforcement officers were investigating an online forum where malware and malicious code was being offered for sale. Albashiti controlled an online moniker named “r1z” and used it in the online forum. On May 19, 2023, Albashiti sold to an undercover law enforcement officer unauthorized access to the networks of at least 50 victim companies in exchange for cryptocurrency.
The charge of fraud and related activity in connection with access devices carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of gains or losses resulting from the offense. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the July 2024 extradition from Georgia of Albashiti. Sentencing is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Deputy Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark.
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Defense Counsel: Rahul Agarwal, Esq.
albashiti.information.pdfJacksonville Minister Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS.
A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant..
In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses.
Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income.
Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Jacksonville Minister Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS.
A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant.
In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses.
Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income.
Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Illegal alien indicted for ramming immigration vehicle causing injury to federal agents in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
sanchezj.pdf indictment_0.pdfPLANO, Texas – An illegal alien has been indicted and charged with injuring federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jerson Lopez-Sanchez, 28, a citizen and national of Honduras, was indicted and charged with three counts of assaulting federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas.
The indictment alleges that on December 1, 2025, federal immigration agents attempted to conduct a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle owned by Lopez-Sanchez, a foreign national who was unlawfully in the United States. The vehicle, which contained at least five occupants, came to a stop in the 2400 block of S. Stemmons Fwy in Lewisville. Federal agents were in three separate vehicles, and all were wearing clearly marked law enforcement vests with police identifying insignia as well as carrying federal agent badges. Soon after he pulled over, Lopez-Sanchez suddenly placed the suspect vehicle in reverse and rammed the federal agent vehicle behind him while a federal agent had one leg outside of the vehicle injuring the agent. This maneuver caused enough space for Lopez-Sanchez to drive around the other law enforcement vehicles and attempt to flee. Federal agents began pursuit of Lopez-Sanchez with red and blue flashing lights engaged. One of the law enforcement vehicles was able to position itself between Lopez-Sanchez and his escape route. Instead of stopping, Lopez-Sanchez accelerated and rammed into that vehicle injuring the two agents inside. Lopez-Sanchez continued to evade with the third vehicle pursuing him on to East Valley Ridge Boulevard in Lewisville for about 10 minutes before the suspect vehicle stopped on a median and all five occupants fled by foot. Three of the occupants were ultimately detained after foot pursuits and with the help of civilians. Lopez-Sanchez was identified as the owner and driver of the vehicle and remains at large.
If anyone has knowledge that leads to the arrest of JERSON LOPEZ-SANCHEZ, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may be eligible for a cash reward.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Frisco Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. This case part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Lopez-Sanchez faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count of the indictment if convicted. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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photos_of_vehicle_0.pdfIllegal alien faces federal charges for selling fentanyl at a farmers market produce standRead the Press Release
Atlanta – Luis Sanchez-Acevedo, an illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in federal court yesterday afternoon on charges related to his alleged distribution of fentanyl from a Forest Park farmers market produce stand.
“Sanchez-Acevedo allegedly distributed deadly “tranq” pills containing fentanyl and xylazine at a farmers market where he sold fruits and vegetables,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our community is a safer place now that this illegal alien and his lethal pills are off the streets.”
“This defendant is accused of distributing fentanyl, a drug responsible for countless overdose poisonings across our country,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “In support of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA remains committed to targeting those who traffic in this poison and holding them accountable through the federal justice system.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: DEA agents learned that Sanchez-Acevedo was allegedly selling counterfeit “M-30” pills containing fentanyl in the Forest Park, Georgia area. The investigation revealed that, in September and October 2025, Sanchez-Acevedo allegedly sold a total of 3,000 pills from or in the vicinity of his produce stand at a Forest Park, Georgia farmers market. DEA agents ultimately recovered the pills, and laboratory testing revealed that the pills contained fentanyl and xylazine, a powerful large animal sedative that is extremely dangerous to humans.
On January 13, 2026, agents arrested Sanchez-Acevedo at his produce stand. During a search of the stand, agents recovered approximately 1,000 additional counterfeit pills.
The investigation further revealed that Sanchez-Acevedo is a citizen of Mexico and illegally present in the United States.
Luis Sanchez-Acevedo, 41, of Tehuacán, Mexico, appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge yesterday on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Clayton County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herskowitz and Edward C. Robinson Jr. are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.